ST KILDA dominated the AFL Coaches Association Awards on Tuesday night, continuing the momentum generated by a host of re-signings and improved on-field performance this year.

Five out of the seven awards had a Saints connection of some description.

Midfield coach Adam Kingsley was named the Assistant Coach of the Year, joining an illustrious group of current and former senior coaches such as Brendan McCartney, John Longmire and Phil Walsh to have received the accolade.

Director of Coaching Danny Sexton finished second in the award, which is voted on by players and coaches on a 50-50 basis.

Each AFL assistant coach was given a rating out of 10 by every player on their club’s list and their fellow coaches. The ratings were then averaged out to determine the winner, with Kingsley (8.22) trumping good friend and colleague Sexton (8.1). Melbourne’s Simon Goodwin (7.99), Sydney’s Stewart Dew (7.93) and North Melbourne’s Gavin Brown (7.88) rounded out the top five.

RELATED: Kingsley accepted into Level 4 Senior Coach Program

Following a VFL season in which Sandringham were two kicks away from a Grand Final appearance, Paul Hudson followed up his VFL coach of the year award with the La Trobe University Career and Education Award.

The 1991 Hawthorn premiership player is halfway through a Bachelor of Sports Management degree at La Trobe University, which he combined this year with his extensive coaching commitments.

Former St Kilda ruckman and Saints assistant coach Steven King from the Western Bulldogs won the same award last year.

Senior coach Alan Richardson said Kingsley and Hudson’s awards were recognition for their hard work over the season.

“Both guys are greatly respected within our football club and also within the wider industry,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

“Adam does an exceptional job with our midfield group and is a great student and teacher of the game. His honesty and ability to translate instruction clearly and concisely is appreciated by everyone who works closely with him.

“Huddo has worked tirelessly this season both at the Saints as a development coach and at Sandringham in the VFL. He’s always positive and provides terrific direction for our young guys who are still learning their craft.

1966 premiership coach Allan Jeans was also recognised, given Legend status and joining Kevin Sheedy, Leigh Matthews, David Parkin, Tom Hafey, Ron Barassi and John Kennedy Snr in the process.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was named the Senior Coach of the Year following a season in which he lifted the Dogs from 14th to 6th on the ladder. Beveridge’s connection with St Kilda is three-fold:

-        This time last year he was appointed Director of Coaching at the Saints, before being offered the senior coaching position at the Western Bulldogs

-        His father John is a part-time recruiter at the club and was head recruiter for 15 years up until 2007

-        Luke Beveridge, having played 42 games for Melbourne and 31 for Footscray, finished his playing career at the Saints – booting 37 goals in 45 games.

The other award with a red, white and black connection was the AFLCA’s Lifetime Achievement Award which was last night given to David Wheadon.

Wheadon played 19 games for Collingwood in the late 1960s and served at six AFL clubs as an assistant coach, including St Kilda in 2011.

Dogs youngster Marcus Bontempelli won the Best Young Player Award, while Daniel Hannebery won the Champion Player of the Year gong.

Assistant coach of the Year:

2015: Adam Kingsley – St Kilda

2014: Brett Montgomery – Western Bulldogs

2013: Robert Harvey – Collingwood

2012: Peter Sumich – Fremantle

2011: Darren Crocker – North Melbourne

2010: Brendan McCartney – Geelong

2009: Mark Riley – Carlton

2008: Tony Elshaug – St Kilda

2007: Tony Micale – West Coast

2006: John Longmire – Sydney

2005: Robert Wiley – West Coast

2004: Phil Walsh – Port Adelaide

2003: Neil Craig - Adelaide